Category: Business Mirror

VARIOUS government agencies are stepping up efforts to provide food, shelter, and other relief to the victims of the successive earthquakes that struck Cebu and parts of Mindanao amid threats of more earthquakes and aftershocks.

Still reeling from the devastating earthquake last September 30, a series of earthquakes struck Bogo City, Cebu, anew at dawn on Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The strongest of the latest wave of earthquakes that hit this coastal city in Cebu struck at exactly 1:06 a.m. Phivolcs said the 5.8 magnitude earthquake generated Intensity V tremors in Bogo, Daanbantayan, Madellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, and Tabuelan, all in Cebu. The same intensity was recorded in Villaba, Leyte, and Escalanta City in Negros Occidental.

It also shook the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Danao, Talisay, Toledo, and the towns of Asurias, Balamban, Bantayan, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Liloan, Pinamugalajan, Sogod, and Tuburan in Cebu; Iloilo City, Roxas, and Pontovedra in Capiz; Ormoc City, Albuera, Capoocan, Calubian, Isabela, Kananga, Lete, Merida, Palompon, and San Isidro in Leyte Province.

Damage, aftershocks expected

A SECOND earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 was recorded at 1:24 a.m., followed by a 3.9 magnitude earthquake at 1:31 a.m. A fourth earthquake was recorded at 2:24 a.m. with a magnitude of 3.4.

As of 11 a.m., Phivolcs said the Magnitude 6.9 Northern Cebu Earthquake recorded 11,835 aftershocks, of which 2,068 were plotted and 46 felt in the immediate vicinity of Bogo City.

The 6.9 Northern Cebu Earthquake has resulted in the death of 74 people and the injury to 559 others. It also affected 201,245 families or 722,919 persons.

The NDRRMC said that a total of 774 public and private infrastructure were damaged, while a total of 79,959 houses were damaged as a result of the earthquake and successive aftershocks that continue to grip Cebu.

Modular shelters

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said it has sent modular shelter units (MSUs) for the quake victims in the three hardest-hit areas in Cebu.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said that the MSUs will serve as temporary shelters for families who were displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu last September 30, or ‘those who are still frightened to return to their homes due to aftershocks.’

According to DHSUD, the MSUs were allocated for the towns of Daanbantayan, San Remigio, and Medellin, which are among the areas hardest hit by the powerful quake.

The MSUs will be set up at the ‘Bayanihan Villages’ that were ordered to be established by President Marcos to provide shelter for the earthquake victims.

As of Sunday, several MSUs have been installed in the locl government-identified area for the Bayanihan Village in San Remigio town, DHSUD noted.

The delivery of the MSUs was made after the DHSUD conducted a ground assessment, in close coordination with other government agencies and LGUs.

‘Alinsunod po sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos ay agarang nagpadala ang DHSUD ng mga MSUs para sa mga biktima ng lindol na nawalan ng tahanan o kaya naman ay patuloy na nangangambang bumalik sa kani-kanilang tirahan,’ said Aliling.

‘We hope that these MSUs will somehow ease the burden of the quake victims. Kahit papaano ay komportable at ligtas sila dito,’ he added.

Days after the earthquake, Aliling sent Housing Undersecretaries Ed Robles and Ramon Quintin Allado and Assistant Secretary Hernando Caraig Jr. to Cebu to inspect the ground situation to determine what immediate response is needed from DHSUD.

‘Based on their assessment, ang agarang tulong na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan ay ligtas at maayos na masisilungan. Kaya mabilis natin dineploy ang mga MSUs,’ Aliling said.

‘Asahan po ninyo na patuloy na ang DHSUD ay aktibong lalahok sa whole-of-nation response na iniutos ni Pangulong Marcos upang mabilis na makabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa epekto ng lindol,’ he added.

Housing loan amortization

APART from sending MSUs, the DHSUD chief ordered the Pag-IBIG Fund, the Social Housing Finance Corporation, the National Housing Authority, and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation to suspend housing amortization in Cebu and in the Bicol Region that was battered by typhoons Nando and Opong.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) distributed P12.37 million worth of cash aid to 1,085 families in San Remigio, Cebu, who were affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province recently.

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 76 families whose houses were totally damaged received P30,000 each, which amounted to P2.28 million; while 1,009 families whose houses were partially damaged received P10,000, which amounted to P10.09 million, respectively.

In a statement issued over the weekend, NHA said the cash aid was distributed under NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (Ehap), which provides financial assistance to families affected by disasters such as typhoons, fires, earthquakes, and floods, intending to help beneficiaries start anew.

Another set of Ehap distribution will be conducted in the following weeks for other victims of recent earthquakes and typhoons, NHA also noted.

In addition to the Ehap distribution, the NHA said it is also currently implementing a one-month moratorium on the amortization of housing loans and lease payments this October for the provinces of Cebu and Masbate, to alleviate the financial burden caused by recent calamities.

Under the guidance of NHA General Manager Joeben A. Tai, NHA Assistant General Manager Alvin S. Feliciano led the distribution ceremony, accompanied by Region 7 Regional Manager Hermes Jude D. Juntilo.

Speaking on behalf of GM Tai, Feliciano expressed hope that the financial assistance would help improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries.

Quick assessment

IN response to the 7.4 and 6.8 magnitude doublet earthquakes near Manay, Davao Oriental, concerned government agencies are moving to conduct a quick assessment of all government infrastructures, school buildings, and medical facilities.

The assessment aims to ensure the integrity of the infrastructure facilities in preparation for the smooth return to normal operation.

Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the initial assessment of bridges found minor issues and were cleared for use.

The main roads have been cleared in Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte while clearing was going on in provincial, town, and barangay roads.

The Manay District Hospital, though, has been declared condemned, as Dizon said the assessment found that ‘none of the seven buildings were cleared for use.’

‘In all likelihood, the hospital needs complete reconstruction.’

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said funds would be allocated for the repair of minor damages to the regional offices and heads of school divisions. This would be taken from the quick response fund of the department.

‘For the major repairs, we will coordinate it with Secretary Vince Dizon and ensure a faster coordination process so the works will be done immediately,’ he said.

Social Welfare Sec. Rexor Gatchalian assured that food packs have already been prepositioned nationwide ‘even before this earthquake happened’. The regional DSWD here said 103,614 food packs and non-food items were already prepositioned, and by Friday morning, some 1,050 food packs were already distributed to the earliest local governments that communicated their exact number of families who needed assistance.

The regional office also said more food assistance was being sent to the other areas for the rest of the day.

Eight people were confirmed dead, including the person with a medical condition at the district hospital in Montevista, who succumbed to a likely cardiac arrest in reaction to the earthquake.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles, the chief of the Davao Regional Police Command, said police have secured the evacuation camps across the three provinces, including those in the coastal village of the town of Taragona, the next town south of Manay. Taragona coastal residents quickly rushed out of their homes on Thursday night, immediately after a tsunami alert was raised when the second magnitude 6.8 quake occurred at 7:12 pm. The first quake occurred at 9:45 am.

Regular earthquake drills

THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has urged all workplaces nationwide to conduct regular earthquake drills, stressing that preparedness must become a permanent part of the country’s work culture.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza of TUCP said companies should hold drills at least twice a month to ensure workers instinctively know what to do when disaster strikes.

He warned that treating drills as mere compliance puts lives at risk, especially in a country constantly threatened by earthquakes.

‘Beyond seemingly token and ceremonial compliance, we should make preparedness a habit and earthquake readiness a work culture.More and more practice saves lives so that readiness will rightfully be second nature in a country that sits on the Ring of Fire,’ Mendoza said.

The labor group said regular drills would also serve as a venue to revisit emergency response plans and remind workers of their right to refuse unsafe work.

TUCP urged employers to include safety discussions in labor-management meetings to strengthen workplace readiness.

Mendoza added that no employee should be forced to continue working when conditions pose an immediate threat to life or safety.

Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma welcomed the labor group’s appeal, saying it complements the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) compliance in all establishments.

‘The concern and advocacy for [OSH] is a shared responsibility among the tripartite partners: workers, employers and government. Thus, DOLE welcomes the TUCP call for more drills to make the workers and employers aware of the safety protocols during earthquake and other calamities,’ Laguesma said.

The TUCP’s call follows recent incidents in Cebu’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, where workers complained of alleged OSH violations in Cebu during a magnitude 6.9 earthquake last September 30.

According to BPO Industry Employees Network-Cebu, emergency exits of some firms were purposely blocked, preventing workers from leaving the building.

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for fiscal year 2026. Proponents described it as transparent, clean, and sufficient to ensure fiscal stability, with programs that will benefit every Filipino, but other lawmakers denounced it as a continuation of the ‘corrupt pork barrel system’ and unprogrammed funds.

With 287 votes in favor, 12 against, and 2 abstentions, lawmakers passed House Bill 4058, or the 2026 GAB, which will fund key government programs and projects aimed at sustaining economic growth, improving public services, and addressing inflationary and climate-related challenges.

The 2026 GAB now heads to the Senate, which will conduct its own deliberations before convening with the House in a bicameral conference committee to finalize the spending plan in time for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing before the year’s end.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing said the 2026 national budget is ‘truly responsive to the needs of the Filipino people’ and ‘a budget that Congress can be proud of.’

The total education budget for 2026 will reach a historic P1.28 trillion-the first time the Philippines exceeds the 4 percent of GDP benchmark for education, reaching 4.1 percent.

The health sector will receive a total of P411.2 billion, while the agriculture budget totals P292.9 billion.

Suansing emphasized reforms to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of unprogrammed appropriations. Infrastructure projects such as flood control, bridges, and roads are no longer eligible under the renamed ‘Strengthening Assistance for Government Social Programs,’ which now only covers social programs in education, health, and social protection. Only Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) remain eligible due to international agreements.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos said the passage of the national budget would be carried out with accountability and efficiency.

‘We’ve been making sure every peso goes to the exact agency it’s supposed to,’ Marcos said. ‘Given that the House is prioritizing the budget, the committee will address other pending measures, such as House Joint Resolution No. 2, once we have more time. We want to make sure that both chambers are in agreement on transparency in the budget process.’

The resolution seeks to institutionalize transparency during the bicameral conference committee deliberations that reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget.

In his speech before the House of Representatives adjourned for a month-long break, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III said the P6.793-trillion national budget approved on third and final reading reflects a government united in purpose and focused on delivering tangible results for the Filipino people.

‘Under this budget, we have responded to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen the key sectors of our society, particularly education, health, and social welfare,’ the Speaker said.

‘Each project has been carefully reviewed to ensure that it reaches the areas and sectors that need it the most,’ Dy added.

He described the 2026 spending plan as the result of efforts to make the budget process more transparent, ‘isang budget na ginawa sa liwanag, hindi sa dilim; na pinagtuunan ng sapat na oras, at nangibabaw ang puso at isip-hindi ang pansariling interes [a budget crafted in the light, not in darkness; for which enough time was devoted, and for which heart and soul, not personal interest, prevails.’

The House has adjourned and is set to reconvene on November 10.

‘No votes’

The Makabayan bloc voted no to the proposed P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB), denouncing it as a continuation of the ‘corrupt pork barrel system’ despite the ongoing trillion-peso flood control scandal.

In a statement, the progressive lawmakers said the measure ‘brazenly perpetuates a system of plunder’ that has siphoned off billions of pesos from public coffers through more than 9,000 flood control projects implemented since 2022.

The Makabayan bloc is composed of ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co.

According to lawmakers, the ‘presidential pork’ alone amounts to P281 billion, including P243 billion in Unprogrammed Appropriations-a funding mechanism that ballooned in previous years and allegedly became a major source of funds for ghost and overpriced projects.

They added that the P10.9-billion Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) remain ‘grotesquely inflated,’ with the Office of the President keeping the largest share at P4.5 billion, while the NTF-ELCAC’s P8.08-billion Barangay Development Fund also remains intact.

Makabayan also alleged that P415 billion constitutes ‘legislative pork,’ coursed mainly through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies.

The bloc said that through the DPWH’s district offices, P174.6 billion will be distributed as ‘allocables,’ roughly P230 million per congressional district and P3.2 billion per senator.

Other allocations allegedly open to congressional discretion include P32.6 billion for farm-to-market roads, P35.1 billion for school buildings, P20.2 billion for health facilities, and P9.6 billion for irrigation projects.

On top of this, lawmakers also supposedly have access to P130.4 billion in ‘ayuda’ funds, such as medical assistance, scholarships, and livelihood programs-resources that, according to Makabayan, are used to ‘build political machinery and buy loyalty.’

Although serving as vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste voted against the 2026 GAB, citing ongoing corruption risks within the DPWH.

In explaining his no vote, Leviste acknowledged the committee’s reallocation of P255 billion from DPWH projects toward critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. However, he warned that the remaining P624 billion in DPWH funds remains vulnerable to misuse.

‘Almost 100 percent of DPWH biddings across the country are subject to corruption,’ Leviste said, quoting former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. He stressed that unless reforms are implemented, overpricing and kickbacks will continue.

Leviste urged the House to reduce DPWH project costs by 25 percent, potentially cutting P150 billion in possible kickbacks. ‘Even if a congressman does not receive a kickback from DPWH projects in his district, DPWH personnel can still benefit from inflated project costs,’ he explained.

Highlighting the budgetary inequity, Leviste also pointed out that Region 4A-which includes Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal-accounts for nearly 15 percent of the country’s population and GDP but receives only 10 percent of DPWH funds. He advocated for a larger allocation for these districts in the next budget iteration.

While giving credit to the Committee on Appropriations for improvements over previous budgets, Leviste said more must be done to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in public works funding.

Before SC

Caloocan Rep. Edgar R. Erice vowed to question the constitutionality of unprogrammed funds (UF) in the budget, if Congress approves the budget containing such allocations.

‘Unprogrammed funds violate the Constitution and mislead the public with false promises of funding,’ Erice said in a statement.

Section 22, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution requires that the President submit a Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) to Congress and that the GAA be based on it. He argued that UFs lack a definite source of financing, making their inclusion in the national budget unconstitutional.

Erice also criticized UFs as lump-sum allocations that delegate Congress’ exclusive power of the purse to the Executive, citing Article VI, Section 25(6) of the Constitution, which prohibits transferring appropriations without proper authorization. He described UFs as creating false hopes for agencies and the public, pointing to past abuses in the 2023-2025 budgets where funds were allegedly diverted into pet projects or ghost projects.

Removing UFs from the 2026 GAA, Erice said, is a matter of constitutional fidelity and moral responsibility.

House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila M. de Lima also voted against the 2026 budget, citing the same constitutional and accountability concerns regarding Unprogrammed Appropriations.

Lack of prioritization

The Akbayan Reform Bloc on Monday voted against the proposed budget, citing the continued presence of unprogrammed funds and the lack of prioritization for social services and marginalized sectors. The bloc said the budget fails to embody transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno said the bloc’s decision was guided by three fundamental questions: ‘Our decision came down to three simple questions: Does the 2026 budget support the future of our youth? Does it uplift the lives of our people? And does it end the culture of corruption?’ he said.

Diokno said the inclusion of massive unprogrammed appropriations undermines congressional oversight. ‘There are still Unprogrammed Appropriations-P243 billion left at the discretion of the executive, even though it’s unclear how it will be used or where it will go. It seems we are abandoning our duty to safeguard the people’s money when, in the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, the door to corruption remains wide open.’

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña also raised concerns about possible backroom deals once the budget reaches the bicameral conference committee. ‘What’s the use of livestreamed debates and civil society participation during committee and plenary sessions if there are still miracles happening behind closed doors and shameless insertions during the bicam?’ he asked.

He added that true transparency goes beyond public performances. ‘If we are truly sincere in rebuilding public trust, the House leadership must take action-issue a directive for an Open Bicameral Conference Committee so that the budget process becomes fully transparent.’

Homegrown skincare brand Posh Skin Co. (www.poshskin.ph) is leveling up acne care with pimple patches that don’t just fight breakouts but let you flex your clear-skin. The new collection mixes style with spot-on care, so whether you need a fast fix, a fun design, or both, there’s a patch that keeps your glow up intact.

The new collection releasing this October, has now been updated from 24 to 32 patches per pack, bringing more value to your daily skincare routine for the same original price. There are brand-new microneedle patches to flatten stubborn pimples, sports patches made for physical activities, and 10mm mini patches for precise care. These new designs reflect Posh Skin Co.’s commitment to delivering better value for customers with effective and inclusive acne solutions that suit every lifestyle.

‘We’ve been listening closely to our community, and we heard you,’ shares Charmaine Palermo, one of the founders of Posh Skin Co.’That’s why we created two patch sizes in every pack, smaller ones for tiny zits and larger ones for those stubborn breakouts that need extra care. We’re also constantly creating new designs to match your every mood and style, because it’s our mission to make acne care more personal and fun’.

The latest Posh Skin Co. pimple patch collection introduces new styles, each designed to target different breakouts while reflecting your moods and personality: Microneedle Patches-formulated with microneedle technology to flatten and help reduce stubborn pimples more quickly to promote healing; Black and White Collection-stars and hearts in monochrome tones, perfect for those who love understated elegance; and Flower Collection-colorful blooms like sunflowers, daisies, and violets that keep your routine fresh and fun.

Now upgraded from 24 to 32 patches for the same price of P199, each pack includes 12 large patches (15mm) for stubborn breakouts and 20 smaller ones (10mm) for those tiny but tough spots.

Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and Ethiopian Hawi Feysa won the men’s and women’s races at the Chicago Marathon by comfortable margins on Sunday.

Kiplimo crossed the line in a personal-best time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 23 seconds. He was 1 minute, 31 seconds clear of Kenyan Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon winner, whose countryman Alex Masai was third in 2:04.37. Conner Mantz was fourth in a U.S.-record time of 2:04:43.

Earlier this year, the 24-year-old Kiplimo set a men’s half-marathon world record and became the first runner to go under 57 minutes, and also finished second on his marathon debut in London. Kiplimo is also an Olympic and world championship bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters.

The 26-year-old Feysa also put in a stellar performance to win in 2:14:56 in a 1-2 finish for Ethiopia.

She was 2:22 clear of Megertu Alemu with Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania third in 2:18:03.

Marco Penge beat fellow Englishman Daniel Brown in a playoff to win the Spanish Open on Sunday and secure a spot in next year’s Masters and British Open.

Penge relinquished a four-shot lead but came out on top with a birdie on the first playoff hole to win his third European tour title this year.

‘Dan and Joel (Girrbach) played great today, they were holing putts and I just couldn’t really get it in the hole, it felt like I was really up against it,’ Penge said. ‘But I felt like I managed myself really well and I actually think tee to green, I feel like I played really solid. It doesn’t matter the putts, I think I used them all yesterday, but obviously holing that one there was worth the wait.’

It was the first time the national tournament offered the winner an automatic spot for the Masters and the British Open.

‘It’s crazy,’ Penge said about playing in the Masters. ‘It’s a golf course that I’ve always wanted to play, because I feel like my game sets up really good for it.’

Penge, who shot a 1-over 72 on Sunday, finished tied with Brown at 15 under for the tournament.

Brown, whose 31st birthday was on Saturday, started five shots back but he made a run after shooting a 4-under 67 in the final round. That was despite dealing with a right shoulder ailment that required treatment during the back nine. He forced a playoff with a birdie on the final hole.

The 27-year-old Penge also won at the Danish Golf Championship and the Hainan Classic.

Girrbach (69) was four shots back to start the day. The Swiss player finished third at 14 under for the tournament.

Home-crowd favorite Jon Rahm, who was seeking a record fourth Spanish Open title, wasn’t really in contention at the start of the final round, but he closed with a 6-under 65 to finish in a tie for ninth.

Shane Lowry, who like Rahm was back in action after helping Europe win the Ryder Cup in New York last month, didn’t make the cut at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in the Spanish capital.

The Philippines’ most trusted and preferred housing brand continues to shape the homebuying landscape in the Visayas and Mindanao through milestone celebrations that honor both the heritage and the hope of homeownership.

In Iloilo, Savannah marks its silver anniversary as the heart of Georgia, while in Davao, Camella commemorates three decades of community building-together underscoring a golden legacy of lifescapes designed for Filipino families.

Savannah’s silver celebration

Savannah’s silver anniversary, themed ‘My Heart, My Home, My Savannah,’ is a commemoration of time and a tribute to the thousands of families who have made Savannah a place to call home.

‘My Home’ speaks to the safety and sense of belonging that Savannah has provided its residents throughout the years, while ‘My Heart’ reflects the emotional ties nurtured and the memories that have been woven into the daily fabric of community life. ‘My Savannah’ represents the pride of being part of something enduring, where every resident embodies a way of life that continues to flourish through every household.

Savannah kicked off a month-long series of events that brought together homeowners, business partners, and community friends. The festivities began with a Fun Run that promoted fitness, complemented by a Food Truck Assembly, a Medical Mission, and a Zumba session that filled the grounds with movement.

The Family Day highlighted the joy of homegrown traditions, featuring Laro ng Lahi games; the Paws Club, which ensured furry companions shared in the fun; and a Movie and Camping Night that offered time together. Concluding with the Savannah Fiesta, the anniversary activities include a Holy Mass, followed by a Food Fest with live band performances. The celebration closed with a meaningful tree planting activity named ‘Little Hands, Big Trees.’ The activities during the silver anniversary of Savannah reflected the values that have always defined the residential development: health and heritage, community spirit, and cultural pride.

Fortifying excellence

Savannah has been offering Spanish Mediterranean-inspired homes, lifestyle amenities, and a secure environment that promotes convenience and connectivity. The neighborhood of Savannah has consistently set the standard for modern living and has established itself as the premier residential development in Iloilo.

The natural beauty of Savannah, enhanced by greenways and leisure hubs, fosters a sense of well-being. Every home is designed to strike a balance between form and function, creating dynamic living spaces that cater to the diverse needs of its residents. Complementing these residences is a suite of amenities that spans lifestyle, leisure, and everyday essentials, enriching the rhythm of daily life.

The proud residential component of Georgia by Vista Estates, touted as Iloilo’s biggest lifestyle destination, has recently been recognized by PropertyGuru with the Highly Commended Award for Best Township Development 2025. Savannah was also hailed as the Best Mixed-Use Development in Visayas and Mindanao by Lamudi, The Outlook 2023: Philippine Real Estate Awards.

Thirty Years, A Thousand Everyday Wins in Davao

Camella has journeyed with every Davaoeño in fulfilling the lifelong dream of homeownership, welcoming families across the fastest-growing cities and flourishing corridors of the region. From the urban heart of Davao City to the sprawling hubs in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental, its neighborhoods offer well-planned living spaces of comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Now in its 30th year in Davao Region, Camella renews its promise to keep family and community life at the core of innovation and progress, building a legacy of value for generations to come.

Camella’s residential developments are envisioned as more than a neighborhood-it is a lifescape: a place designed around how people live, learn, and aspire. For three decades, Camella has expanded into nearly a dozen locations across the Davao Region, offering homes that cater to first-time buyers and multigenerational households.

The neighborhoods of Camella are designed with a strong sense of place. Facilities, including clubhouses, swimming pools, sports courts, and jogging paths, promote well-being, foster friendships, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Such community-centric planning promotes active lifestyles and social ties, resulting in healthier, engaged neighborhoods that drive long-term property value.

The Camella Forever Homes are built for modern living, featuring efficient layouts, natural light, ample ventilation, and room to grow-made attainable through flexible financing options and long-term property management. Families can step onto the real estate market sooner, redirect resources toward education or business, and enjoy the compounded benefits of well-maintained communities.

Thirty Years in Davao: A Milestone and a Mandate

The scale, equity, and track record of Camella in the Davao Region translate to strong confidence among homebuyers and investors. Its homes are planned with an eye to future connectivity, neighboring projects, and regional growth. Homes become springboards for opportunity as families gain access to better financing terms, can move up or expand their portfolios, and pass on tangible assets to the next generation: turning the address of today into an advantage tomorrow.

The commitment of Camella is to keep building lifescapes that honor how Filipino families live in the present-and how they hope to live tomorrow-so that every hope becomes a home, every cluster a community, and every investment a lasting legacy.

The removal of foreign ownership restrictions on renewable energy (RE) projects in the Philippines has attracted 75 projects with 20 gigawatts (GW) of capacity since 2022.

As of August, the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded to foreign firms 13 solar power contracts with a total capacity of 1,297.52 megawatts (MW), nine offshore wind (OSW) contracts with 5,510 MW, and 53 onshore wind contracts with 13,183.95 MW.

‘We recognize that private sector investment is central in achieving our targets. Hence, we are creating an enabling business environment to make RE more appealing to investors.

In 2022, liberalized foreign ownership rule is a clear signal to the world that the Philippines is open for clean energy business. To date, it has already attracted 75 projects, totaling 20 GW capacity, awarded to fully foreign entities,’ said DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara during the 2nd Philippines Future Energy and Grid Summit.

The policy, backed by a legal opinion from the Justice department, allows up to 100-percent foreign ownership in the exploration, development, and utilization of indigenous RE sources.

The 100-percent foreign ownership in RE projects, which facilitated faster entry of RE investments, is among the renewable policies that accelerated RE development in the country.

Other efforts include the simplified RE service contracts under the revised omnibus guidelines, energy virtual one-stop shop (EVOSS) system, expanded roof-mounted solar program (ERSP), net-metering program, green energy option program, renewable energy portfolio standards, and green energy auctions.

Overall, there are 1,371 RE contracts, with an installed capacity of 7.7 GW, awarded as of August this year. The potential capacity of these projects stands at 145.8GW.

Of which, 561 are solar contracts, 414 are hydro, 286 are wind, 72 are biomass, and 29 are geothermal.

The DOE is targeting a 35-percent RE share in the power generation mix by 2030, 50 percent by 2040, and over 50 percent by 2050.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050, there are six energy transition strategies cried by the DOE. The list include acceleration of RE development, with focus on OSW; smart and green transmission system to accommodate more RE capacity that will come online from 2024 to 2040; build port infrastructure to support OSW; voluntary early decommissioning or repurposing of existing coal power plants; decarbonize the transport sector through electric vehicles; and energy efficiency and conservation.

‘The challenges we face in meeting our nation’s energy demands are significant, but so is our resolve. The Philippines has long depended on imported fossil fuels, exposing us to volatile costs and climate risks.

That is our commitment to the Filipino people, and it is the driving force behind the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023-2050-our updated roadmap for transition,’ said Guevara.

The transition roadmap, she added, presents three scenarios. Reference (REF) Scenario, which targets a 35-percent RE share by 2030 and 50 percent from 2040 to 2050; Clean Energy Scenario (CES) 1 which has high RE with low OSW + nuclear + coal repurposing; and CES 2 which has high RE with high OSW + nuclear + coal repurposing.

‘These targets are not just numbers; they represent a fundamental shift in our national policy and a decisive step toward a sustainable future. This is a whole-of-government commitment. Our six energy transition strategies begin with the most urgent: accelerating renewable energy development,’ said the DOE official.

She noted, however, that the country’s energy mix paints a different story. In 2008, renewables made up 35 percent. Today, it is only at 22 percent.

‘This is not failure-it is a call to action. Our goals are clear: 35 percent by 2030, 50 percent by 2040, and beyond 50 percent by 2050. So, how have we begun this journey?

Our approach has been multi-pronged, with the landmark Renewable Energy Act of 2008 which truly catalyzed the RE sectors: biomass, geothermal, solar, hydropower, ocean, and wind-collectively: BIG SHOW,’ said Guevara.

The Department of Labor and Employment will allow emergency employment to selected persons in the areas heavily affected by the October 10 doublet earthquakes, as the Davao Oriental reported as many as 70,142 families were affected in the province alone.

The DOLE said it will implement the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program for 5,450 beneficiaries, mostly in the most affected towns of Davao Oriental.

Of the allocated slots, 4,950 beneficiaries will come from Davao Oriental, while the remaining 500 beneficiaries will be distributed across Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

The program will mainly be done through emergency employment and to be concentrated in the Municipality of Manay, the hardest hit by the recent tremors.

Beneficiaries will engage in debris segregation, materials recovery, stockpiling, clearing operations, and waste management activities in affected areas, DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy said.

The emergency employment program will run for ten days beginning Monday.

He said the TUPAD, will help workers rebuild their lives by providing temporary income. The DOLE is allocating P28,067,500. Only P2,575,000 will be distributed in other parts of the region.

The allocated amount is inclusive of micro-insurance coverage for all beneficiaries to ensure their safety and protection while performing rehabilitation-related tasks.

Tarragona town mayor, Art Benjie C. Bulaong told reporters on Monday that of the 70,142 families affected across the province, his town has 10,160 of them, or approximately 40,100 individuals. He said the scarce resource has accommodated only 2,252 families in the temporary evacuation camp at the municipal capitol grounds and some 7,000 others were scattered elsewhere.

His town is the next town south of Manay and next to the provincial capital of Mati City.

He said he cannot order the evacuees to return home until the ground tremors will stop ‘because these people are scared, they are traumatized.’ He said the evacuees could not use the provincial and municipal evacuation centers because they were placed under Code Red, a category that placed structures in danger.

He said even the municipal government was holding office in other places and open spaces because the municipal capitol building was placed under Code Yellow, which placed structures under limited use and should need further assessment to their integrity and safety.

Bulaong said the town’s disaster fund was supposed to be P7 million but said it has been depleted as the year is about to end. The town’s quick respond fund is only P3 million.

In Davao City, the city building officials has tagged the Code Red to Malayan (Mapua) Colleges Mindanao administrative and school buildings, the Velvet Suites and Hote/Oroderm City, the Toledo Building 3 of Magallanes Residences and the part of SM Annex building where the Teleperformance Davao outsourcing firm was holding office and operation center.

The Office of the City Building Official also tagged a Code Yellow to the three buildings of Felcris Centrale, the parking building of Gaisano Mall of Davao-Bajada, the Vivaldi Residences Davao and the Mesatierra Garden Residences.

The OCBO conducted the assessment of structures with the Davao City chapter of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) should prioritize the establishment of first-border inspection facilities as it is a critical investment for the protection of the country’s agricultural sector against pests and diseases, according to Senator Francis Pangilinan.

During the Senate Committee on Finance’s recent hearing on the DA’s proposed 2026 dget, the senator said establishing Cold Examination Facilities in Agriculture (CEFA) sites is a ‘long-overdue’ measure to strengthen the country’s agricultural biosecurity and protect local producers.

He pointed to past agricultural crises-such as the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak and the ‘cocolisap’ infestation-that caused massive losses in the hog and coconut industries, respectively.

‘ASF was precisely because we didn’t have that first border inspection, and that cost us at least for one year P70 billion, maybe more. Even the ‘cocolisap’ infestation, which cost us P4, P5, or P6 billion worth, was [due to] invasive pests,’ Pangilinan said.

The ASF outbreak during the Covid-19 pandemic forced the government to temporarily modify the rates of import duty for fresh, chilled or frozen meat of swine to stabilize supply and prices as the industry suffered from heavy losses.

‘Again, if there is a first border inspection by the Bureau of Plant, Bureau of Animal Industry, this could have been all avoided,’ he said.

While the total cost of the facilities could reach around P1.9 billion for five CEFAs, the DA can already begin construction on three sites to get the project under way, the senator said.

‘At least it is already starting. It’s really putting the necessary funding to prevent losses in the hundreds of billions. So, hopefully, for this year in the 2026 budget, it can be included, even just three,’ he added.

Building CEFA facilities, Pangilinan said, would allow for the early detection and containment of diseases and pests entering through imported agricultural products.

These facilities-equipped with modern laboratories, quarantine areas and inspection systems-are designed to examine imported meat, produce, and plant materials before they are distributed nationwide.

AS the nation honors its elderly during National Senior Citizens’ Week, a lawmaker shines a light on a group often left in the shadows-widowed Filipinos, especially senior citizens, struggling to start over after the loss of their life partners.

Through his newly filed House Bill 5395, or the proposed Widowed Persons Assistance Act, Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas hopes to create a safety net for those who have lost their spouses, offering them temporary financial assistance, psychosocial counseling, livelihood support, and priority access to social services.

For many widowed individuals-especially senior citizens-the loss of a spouse means not only emotional pain but also financial hardship. Some are left without a steady income, while others face the loneliness of living alone in their twilight years, said the lawmaker.

‘Widowed persons form a special sector among our senior citizens who need to be recognized and cared for,’ Vargas said. ‘We will not let them grieve in isolation; instead, we will prepare them to face the challenges that come with losing their life partner.’

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that widowed persons make up 4.5 percent of the country’s total household population, and women account for about 76 percent of this group-a figure that underscores the vulnerability of older women who outlive their spouses.

While the proposed measure covers all widowed individuals regardless of age or sex, Vargas said it will benefit the elderly the most, given their limited capacity to find new jobs or start anew.

‘Our goal is to help elderly widows and widowers get back on their feet and rebuild their lives,’ he explained.

The lawmaker emphasized that this initiative builds on existing laws such as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and the Universal Health Care Act, ensuring that widowed persons receive targeted support and attention.

‘If passed into law, this measure will not only give new hope to our senior citizens,’ Vargas said. ‘It will also be a testament to our government’s compassion-showing that we see them, we value them, and we will stand by them in their remaining years.’